BALTIMORE – Winter weather is a playground for outdoor activities but also presents potential hazards. The season of cheer can also bring illness and dangerous driving conditions. Winter recreational activities like ice skating and sledding carry their own unique risks. The Maryland Insurance Administration urges you to review, understand and update your coverage.

 

“Many winter activities come with increased risk,” Insurance Commissioner Al Redmer, Jr. said. “Speaking with your trusted agent or insurer is a good way to understand your coverage and potentially limit that risk.”

 

For more information about health, home, life and auto insurance options, and tips for choosing the coverage that is right for you and your family, visit the National Association of Insurance Commissoiner website InsureU.

 

 

If you’re ready to jump on a lift to take your board or skis down your favorite slope or get your ice skates laced up for the rink, check your homeowners or renters policy, as well as your health insurance, to ensure you know what to do in case of an accident or a loss.

 

Talk to your agent or insurance company to find out if your recreational items are covered, and if so, up to what amount. Remember to factor in your deductible. If you think you need more coverage, ask your insurance agent or insurance company if you can purchase more.

If you are out of town without access to your physician or local health care center, review your emergency medical treatment requirements:

 

• Are you required to seek medical treatment at a certain hospital or urgent care center that is in your insurer’s network?
• Will you have a copay?
• If you need to fill a prescription, do you have to go to a certain pharmacy?

 

Make a list of these details and carry your insurance card with you when you travel.

 

 

Doctors' offices are often crowded during the winter months, meaning you may have a time-consuming wait when seeking treatment for a sore throat or an earache. Your health insurance may offer alternatives. Ask whether your plan includes options such as phone or web consultations with health care professionals who can answer questions or provide remote diagnosis. Additionally, mini-med or urgent care centers may accept your health insurance and are likely more cost-effective than a trip to the ER. However, for any prolonged or acute illness, it is best to visit your doctor.

 

 

Generally, snowmobiles are not covered under homeowners, renters or auto insurance policies. If you are worried about your property or personal liability while operating these machines, speak with your insurance agent or insurance company about a separate snowmobile insurance policy. If you plan to take your snowmobile off your private property, carry your proof of insurance.

 

If you are traveling and plan to rent a snowmobile, you may consider rental insurance if it is offered to cover a potential loss. Read the contract carefully before signing and ask questions if you don’t understand the limits or coverages.

 

 

If you plan to remove snow from your driveway with your own plow attached to your vehicle, your personal auto policy may cover your liability and any property damage you might cause. But before offering to help friends and family, read through your policy or talk with your auto insurance agent or insurance company to make sure you are covered if something were to happen.

 

If you are using your plow to make a little extra cash this winter, your personal auto insurance policy will not likely provide coverage if an accident occurs. Ask your agent or insurance company if an endorsement is available to add to your existing policy or if a commercial auto policy – one that includes coverage for plowing – makes sense before committing your services.

 

 

Generally, your homeowners or renters policy will cover liability for injuries if someone other than a family member slips and falls on your property. However, your insurance company expects you to perform due diligence to make your home safe for visitors. Also, your policy will have limits on the amount it will pay.

 

Your city’s snow-removal laws may also play a part in what the insurance company requires as due diligence. Check the ordinances in your area to see what rules apply.

 

 

Traveling in the winter months can be full of surprises. Even if you’re traveling somewhere warm, bad weather can cause delays. To help mitigate the cost of rebooking a flight or an unexpected overnight stay, travel sites and airlines offer travel insurance that may cover unexpected delays or cancelations. Check out this Travel Insurance Consumer Alert for more information.

Travel insurance can cover everything from lost luggage to delays and cancellations. Make sure to closely read any policy you consider.

 

 

The Maryland Insurance Administration is an independent State agency charged with regulating Maryland’s $28.5 billion insurance industry. For more information about the Insurance Administration, please visit www.insurance.maryland.gov or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MDInsuranceAdmin or Twitter at @MD_Insurance.

 

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